Day 2 of Trump’s Shutdown: White House Continues $200 Million Ballroom Reconstruction as Americans Face Massive Health Care Price Hikes Arrow

Yesterday - on the first day of Donald Trump's government shutdown - the White House confirmed it would forge ahead on Trump's $200 million ballroom reconstruction - even as Trump guts funding for infrastructure and climate projects in states across the country and 22 million Americans face skyrocketing health care premiums. Instead of working with Democrats on a common sense plan to lower costs, protect health care, and reopen the government, Trump is prioritizing a gilded ballroom for himself and his billionaire donors.

Trump spent years railing against so-called "wasteful" government spending - but when it comes to a $200 million ballroom for his own lavish parties, he spares no expense. Just days ago, Trump flaunted his gold-plated White House decorations, and now his billionaire donors could even have the chance to have their names etched into the White House. It's a glaring reminder of who Trump really works for - and it's not the American people.

In response, DNC Deputy Rapid Response Director Jaelin O'Halloran released the following statement:

"Donald Trump and Republicans shut down the government to protect their billionaire tax cuts - and they're doing it at the expense of working families. Rather than extend critical health care subsidies or reverse his devastating Medicaid cuts, Trump is pouring millions of dollars into a 'gold ballroom' for himself and his wealthy donors. While working families brace for skyrocketing premiums, he's focused on his lavish lifestyle. It's no wonder voters overwhelmingly agree that Trump and Republicans own this shutdown."

While Republicans are on vacation and Trump obsesses over his gold-plated ballroom, working families are being left behind: If Republicans get their way, 22 million Americans will see their health insurance premiums skyrocket by an average of 114%. Trump is more interested in having a place to throw parties for his billionaire buddies and donors than protecting working families.

Just this morning, Trump called the shutdown an "unprecedented opportunity" to consolidate power and lay off thousands of federal workers. It is past time for Trump and Republicans to join Democrats in passing a common sense plan that protects health care, lowers costs, and reopens the government - something that the American people overwhelmingly support.